We are going through an era where women are guaranteed representation in all walks of life. Gems of women can be seen in the fields of governance, industry, law, science and media.
Those who have risen as individuals are the ones risen due to their own ability. Women now shine in army which is the traditional bastion of men. They are also involved in rock-climbing and truck-driving. None of this happened in the name of women's reservation. They have achieved this by fighting the circumstances. Although men talk eloquently about women's empowerment and women's reservation, male-centric political parties in general still is not raising them to the nerve centres of power.

Representation of women in their candidate lists is like grating in rice cake. All political parties want 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament. But when it comes to reality, their head pull in like that of a tortoise.

In Kerala, the LDF, UDF and BJP have not ensured adequate representation of women in their candidate lists. Lathika Subhash tonsured her head in front of Indira Bhavan in protest against not getting a seat. It should not be seen only as an outward manifestation of sudden emotional turmoil. Women are sometimes forced to resort to such means to express resentment. This is because of the neglect that women face from all political parties. Indira Gandhi was the woman Prime Minister of India for many years. There was no loss but only benefit for India's reputation because of this. But even today who can say that there will be a woman Chief Minister in Kerala?

There is currently only one woman judge in the Supreme Court of India. Only Indira Banerjee. When Indu Malhotra retired, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud's speech was very impressive. He pointed out that it was worrying that there was only one woman judge in the Supreme Court. Introspection is needed in this regard. The gist of what he said was that women's representation should also be reflected in the justice system to ensure the diversity of perspectives. Justice Chandrachud pointed out that it would build more trust in the public. We can surely doubt whether one of the main reasons for the declining public confidence in political parties is the tendency to consider women only for namesake in elections.